Nominations now being accepted for the Systems Management Server 2003 Service Pack 3 Enterprise Customer TAP Program
Microsoft is looking for customers to participate in the SMS 2003 SP3 TAP program.
The following is a description of SMS 2003 SP3:
Microsoft Announces: Systems Management Server 2003 SP3 TAP Program is ready for nominations!
What is in Systems Management Server SP3
Microsoft’s Systems Management Server Service Pack 3 contains support for Windows Vista and Windows ‘Longhorn’ Server. Service Pack 3 will also provide support for ITMU’s use of multiple CAB files while performing scans.
Service Pack 3 will also be introducing SMS 2003 Asset Advisor. SMS 2003 Asset Advisor is based off of technology that was recently acquired with the acquisition of Asset Metrix. The Asset Advisor will be adding several new WMI providers on the client machine as well as enabling some SMS_Def.mof changes. These client side changes are necessary to provide SMS with client side information that it needs to run a series of software license management reports. SMS 2003 Asset Advisor will be introducing 35 new drill down reports. These reports will focus on software reporting, hardware reporting and Microsoft license management.
The TAP program will not be accepting customers requiring language specific versions of SMS 2003 SP3 at this time.
What is the Microsoft Technology Adoption Program (TAP)
The Microsoft TAP program is designed to provide our customers with access to pre-release code. The customers enrolled in the SMS 2003 SP3 TAP program will be deploying the pre-release versions of the service pack and Asset Advisor to their production environments.
Program Benefits:
· A head start in the next deployment cycle, taking advantage of new and enhanced features available in Systems Management Server 2003 SP3.
· A dedicated Program Manager contact in the Systems Management Server Product Group.
· Regularly scheduled conference calls with a member of the SMS Team. Discussions will include deployment planning, feedback, feature review presentations from members of the Product Group, and other customer driven topics.
· Production certified pre-release builds of the product.
· Program participants are kept up to date using connect.microsoft.com
· Onsite visits from members of the product group at key deployment milestones in the program.
· Support and deployment guidance from the Systems Management Server Product Group, as well as 24x7 support for production deployment issues.
Program Requirements:
· Prior to program participation, have a signed TAP Agreement (sample attached) and Systems Management Server TAP Program description (attached) on file with Microsoft.
· Commit to providing resources for the duration of the program.
· Provide a deployment plan.
· Deploy Systems Management Server 2003 SP3 client to 1000 or more computers within 14 days of Beta availability; Upgrade server and managed clients at any additional pre-release milestone within 14 days of availability.
· Upgrade to the RTM version of Systems Management Server 2003 SP3 within 30 days of RTM availability.
· Participate in public relations activities as identified in the TAP agreement and the Systems Management Server 2003 SP3 Program description.
· Have a Microsoft Premier Support contract which includes a Microsoft Technical Account Manager resource.
· An existing Systems Management Server installation, Service Pack 2 of Systems Management Server 2003 must be installed with SQL 2005.
· Have a wide variety of Microsoft and third party vendor software installed on client machines.
· Deploy modified SMS_Def.mof files within 14 days of milestone builds to 2000 clients.
Participant Selection:
Priority will be given to those who validate functionality in production for at least three of the following scenarios:
· Deploy SMS 2003 SP3 to 2000 or more clients at each milestone build
· Deploy modified SMS_Def.mof files to 2000 or more clients
· Enable new WMI provides on 2000 or more clients
· Currently are managing Windows Vista production clients
· Are currently using ITMU for software updates
· Able to participate in public relations activities
Program Timetable (all dates are estimates and subject to change)
|
Month of Sept/early October |
Initial Nomination period |
Submission of Nomination Surveys by or on behalf of interested customers. |
|
By October 15th |
Selection |
Customers selected for the program are notified and given information regarding initial participation. |
|
By late-October |
Legal Agreements signed |
If organization does not have a TAP Agreement with Microsoft, a signed TAP Agreement and Program Description must be returned. |
|
November 06 |
Beta |
Deployment in production environment. Committed number of client agents deployed within 14 days of Beta availability. Product validation and feedback submitted. |
|
January 07 |
RC |
Deployment in production environment. Committed number of client agents deployed within 14 days of RC availability. Product validation and feedback submitted. |
|
March 07 |
Release to Manufacturing |
Upgrade to RTM build and enterprise-wide deployment. |
How to Submit a Nomination
Just followed the link provided and complete the survey. Nominations will be accepted now – September 29th. Microsoft will contact prospective TAP customers by October 17th.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=377402472225
Have a Question?
If you have any questions concerning this email or the nomination process please send an email to smscust@microsoft.com.
More Information on:
Systems Management Server - http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/default.mspx
Systems Management Server Service Packs - http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/default.mspx
Connect.microsoft.com - http://connect.microsoft.com/intro.aspx